Active Vibration Control for Steering Column and Cabin Noise

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Solution Overview

Problem

Internal combustion engine vehicles and hybrid vehicles experience vibrations and noise issues due to fuel-saving techniques and hybrid powertrain operations, which are transmitted to the vehicle cabin, causing discomfort for drivers and passengers, and existing vibration control solutions are cumbersome and inefficient.

Innovation Solution

A vibration control system (VCS) comprising linear force generators (LFGs) and circular force generators (CFGs) integrated with the steering column and vehicle frame, coupled with vibration sensors and a controller, which continuously analyze and generate counteracting forces to mitigate vibrations and noise through the CAN bus communication system.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If fuel-saving techniques (cylinder deactivation, firing sequence manipulation) are implemented, then fuel efficiency is improved, but vibration and noise increase causing driver discomfort

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefuel efficiencyVSAvoidvibration and noise

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The vibration control system applies preliminary anti-action by using force generators to create counteracting forces that cancel out vibrations and noise before they reach the driver and passengers. The system proactively generates opposing vibrational forces to neutralize the harmful effects of fuel-saving techniques, allowing the vehicle to operate in ECO mode without compromising comfort.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The system converts the harmful vibrations and noise generated by fuel-saving techniques into beneficial information for control. Vibration sensors detect the unwanted vibrations, and the controller uses this information to command force generators that produce counteracting forces, effectively transforming the harmful vibrational energy into a controlled cancellation mechanism that improves overall vehicle comfort.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If vibration control devices are added to reduce vibration in one part of the vehicle, then vibration in that part is reduced, but vibration and noise may be introduced into another part

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevibration reduction in target areaVSAvoidvibration introduction in other areas

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The vibration control system applies local quality by positioning force generators at specific locations where vibrations are most problematic (steering column, seats, floorboards) and tailoring the control strategy to each location's specific vibration characteristics. Each force generator is independently controlled to address local vibration issues without creating unwanted vibrations in other areas, as the system adapts the counteracting forces to match the local vibration profile detected by sensors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Object-affected harmful factors

If multiple force generators are deployed throughout the vehicle, then vibration control coverage is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevibration control coverageVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The vibration control system applies segmentation by dividing the vehicle into multiple control zones (steering column, driver seat, passenger seats, floorboards) with dedicated force generators for each zone. This modular approach allows independent control of each area's vibrations, providing comprehensive coverage while managing complexity through localized control strategies. Each segment can be optimized independently based on its specific vibration characteristics and importance to driver comfort.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Effectively reduces and eliminates unwanted vibrations and noise in the vehicle cabin by generating precise counteracting forces, improving passenger comfort and reducing perceived issues related to engine and transmission vibrations.

Implementation Method 1

The at least one LFG generates a linear vibration canceling force that attenuates the noise and/or vibration on or within the steering column and/or steering wheel

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic force: Lorentz Force

Implementation Method 2

The at least one vibration sensor being capable of detecting vibration in or near the steering column and/or the steering wheel

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVibration detection: Vibration

Data Source

PatentUS20240001987A1Vehicle active vibration control system and method

Publication Date: 2024.01.04 LORD CORP

AI summary

A vehicle vibration control system (VCS) includes a vehicle having at least an engine, a transmission, a frame, a steering column with a steering wheel attached, a passenger cabin, and a controller area network (CAN) bus. The vibration and noise in the cabin and in or around steering column are bothersome to passengers in the passenger cabin. Linear force generators (LFGs) are used to control the noise and vibration in or around the steering column and/or steering wheel. Circular force generators (CFGs) are used to control noise and vibration in the passenger cabin. Sensors are used to measure the noise and vibration.